Archives for November 2014

Exposed beams, chandeliers, farm tables or just a key accessory or two can bring some coziness to the heart of your home

It’s getting darker earlier and earlier this time of year, making us crave a warm and cozy nest on cold evenings. The best place to start is the heart of the home, the kitchen. Gathering with family and friends for comfort food like butternut squash soup, Cincinnati chili or spaghetti and meatballs is even more comforting when the meal is casually served in the kitchen. Adding some rustic touches will make you feel like you’re cozied up in a Tuscan farmhouse or an English cottage. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a renovation or simply want to add a few accessories, here are some key ways to give your kitchen a homey, comforting ambience.

Not everyone wants a marble bath. Bring organic warmth to your bath counters, walls or floors with these hard-wearing alternatives

There’s no other material quite like natural stone. No two pieces are exactly alike, and nothing else adds the same organic warmth and texture to a bathroom. Not to mention the longevity. If they’re well maintained, your stone surfaces can last a lifetime.

Marble, of course, has been a popular stone choice for luxurious interiors for centuries based on its inherent beauty. But while Carrara and Calacatta remain classics, they have their downsides, and they aren’t your only options. Here are seven other natural stone varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and strengths, worth considering for your bathroom floors, countertops and walls.